How to Explain American Football.
American Football may seem easy to follow, but it can be hard to explain to a first-time
spectator, like a European, or a hermit.
You will need A TV A football game broadcast A couch and snacks.
Step 1. Make sure everyone is comfortable and turn on the game.
Step 2.
Describe the difference between the two teams.
Tell everyone which is which.
Step 3.
Explain the basic rules in these terms: Each team has four chances — or “downs” — to
either score or to reach the first-down marker, which gives them a new set of four chances.
Step 4.
Define a touchdown as getting the ball past the end line on the field, either by running
or catching.
Ignore the extra points – they’ll learn about those later.
Step 5.
Compare field goals to soccer penalty shots, if there are any Europeans watching for the
first time.
Step 6.
Finally, describe that, if a team cannot score, they typically kick it down the field to the
other team and the roles switch.
Step 7.
Be patient in answering questions.
Learning a new sport is hard; just try to follow a game of cricket.
Step 8.
Don’t get carried away.
Screaming and throwing the remote will not leave a good impression in their minds.
Don’t take advantage of their inexperience by offering bets about who will win.
Step 9.
Mention that the game is timed, and that it is divided into four quarters.
Step 10.
When people begin to really get into the game, introduce them to the art of making fun of
the television announcers.
Do your John Madden impersonation.
Did you know The Women’s Professional Football League is made up of 13 teams across the country
and plays a 16-week schedule similar to the NFL.